Are you looking for ways to improve the air quality in your home? Installing a UV light in your HVAC system is one of the most effective ways to do so. UV lights, also known as germicidal UV lights, are special ultraviolet lights that kill or deactivate viruses, bacteria, mold, and other airborne pathogens. In fact, Niels Ryberg Finsen received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1903 for his work on the use of UV radiation to cure skin infections. These lights are installed in the air controller or in the ducts of your air conditioning system.
As air circulates through your home, it carries with it germs and allergens that eventually pass through UV light that disinfects the air as it recirculates around the house. Depending on your needs and the system you choose, you can install the UV lights directly on the air controller. In addition to the air controller, you can choose to install them in the air return system or in strategic areas along the ducts. UV lights work best when placed around reflective surfaces and in conjunction with high-efficiency filters.
One study found that UV lights could reduce the amount of mold and bacteria in a test home by 97%. By installing a UV light for air conditioning, you can eliminate mold and mildew, kill viruses and bacteria, and reduce odors, all of which will improve indoor air quality. High-frequency UV light has enough energy to destroy the DNA of bacteria and other microorganisms, kill them, and disinfect the air. For an HVAC unit with an N-shaped coil, you can install the UV light above or below it.
The closer the UV light is installed to the drip tray, the better, since that's where there will be more moisture. According to Home Inspector Secrets and Lincoln Tech, the evaporator coil is often the source of air conditioning contaminants. I would install some kind of “shield” or metal reflector to place it between the UV light and the filter, so that it only shines on the coil and not on the filter. If you're interested in both types of UV light, consider starting with a coil sterilizer and then installing an air sterilizer when you see the results.
Installing a UV air conditioning system in the condensing unit (indoor) is a cost-effective method for cleaning the air in the house as it passes through the system. Even if the air conditioning system has a high-quality air filter, adding a UV light will help eliminate microorganisms and bacteria that might be small enough to pass through the filter. If you're concerned about indoor air quality, consider installing an ultraviolet (UV) light in your air conditioning system. By installing a UV air purifier, you'll prevent mold and bacteria from growing and spreading throughout your air conditioning system.
Most Atlanta homeowners combine germicidal UV lights with an air filter that has a high MERV (minimum efficiency values) rating. If you're looking for ways to improve your home's indoor air quality, installing a UV light in your HVAC system is one of your best options. With this comprehensive guide, you now know how to install a UV light for your HVAC unit correctly and safely.
